Besides Santa, Christmas trees are one of the most integral parts of the Christmas season celebration. The tree is the first decoration to go up and the last to come down. We put our presents underneath, the star on top, and hang precious memories from years past all around it. It's the shining centerpiece that, since we don't have snow down here in the South, truly gets you in the holiday spirit.

For my family, getting the tree meant Christmas could officially begin, so picking out the perfect one was of the utmost importance. 

While most of my friends used artificial trees for one reason or another, an artificial tree is Christmas blasphemy to my family. Real trees are the only way to get that fresh pine fragrance in the house, even if they shed a few pine needles here and there. Editor Jen Gennaro agrees, as she also grew up in an anti-artificial home. She shared fond memories of traveling to her family's Christmas store in Thibodaux - Green Acres Nursery and Christmas Store. She says, "It's truly magical and worth the drive!" However, if you're not up for a trip down the bayou, here are some local spots where you can get a live tree this year. 

Kringlewood Christmas Tree Farm

Zachary is home to a lovely (and local) Christmas Tree farm just past Tractor Supply on Greenwell Springs Port Hudson Road. Kringlewood Christmas Tree Farm offers a more organic, unique experience than the big box stores. Kringlewood may be a bit more expensive than places like Home Depot, but visiting the local tree farm is an experience the whole family will cherish and a fun way to support a Zachary business. 

Windy Hills Tree Farm

Fifteen minutes outside of Zachary resides Windy Hills Tree Farm, another local tree farm in Ethel, LA. This tree farm is the only local option that sells a variety of cypress trees, differing from the usual fir. Windy Hills is also the only local location that allows you to chop down your tree, which I believe will truly get you into the holiday spirit. As their reviews online boast, families have been calling Windy Hills their Christmas tradition for decades and will continue for years. 

Home Depot

Home Depot is an easy choice for any shopper looking to deck their halls and get a tree all in one spot. Home Depot has artificial trees, in almost any color, right next to isles of garland, lights, and blow-ups for your front yard. Then, in their garden section, they keep a host of live trees in various tree types and sizes, which range in price to fit your budget. From Douglas to Abies to Fraser, Home Depot will cut your tree stump to preference and then it's only a matter of getting the ten-foot behemoth into your house (forklift not included).  

Tractor Supply

Like Home Depot, Tractor Supply also has a range of sizes and types of trees that will be perfect for any home. Sourced from Dutchman Tree Farms and the National Plant Network, Tractor Supply Christmas trees are another great option if you are looking to get a quick tree. To make things even easier, the Tractor Supply website has free curbside pickup, so just order your tree and it'll be ready for you when you go. And if that's still not easy enough, they also offer delivery to your house, so you can be picking out a corner of your living room while it's being delivered to you. 

And Lastly, while many in Zachary may have relied on Home Depot or Tractor Supply as their sole Christmas tree provider a decade ago, I remember when Winn-Dixie joined in on the fun and provided another spot for shopping. Sold by the Aucoin's, their easy-to-spot Christmas tree tent sits in the Winn Dixie parking lot in the heart of Zachary near the historic district. They also provide affordable prices and have a large selection of great trees to make the star of your living room.